SNP clash on route to independence despite poll boost

A Scottish Government minister was accused of "snidey arrogance" by a party colleague in another public clash over the route to independence.

Shirley-Anne Somerville was celebrating an astounding opinion poll which puts the SNP on 57% support ahead of next year's Holyrood election.

With support for independence also up to 53%, the social security minister said it shows how some SNP members are wrong to criticise the government's approach to calling on the UK Government to allow another referendum.

But the comments, on social media, led to a backlash, including from SNP MP Angus MacNeil and councillor Christopher McEleny.

They are vocal critics of the current "plan A" which rests on building momentum and forcing the UK Government's hand. Supporters of a "plan B" warn the UK Government will continue to ignore calls, and demand a more direct push to leave the Union

Somerville claimed: "I can see why some folk keep saying we need a Plan B cause this Plan A isn't working ... oh hang on, wait a minute, yes it is - to record levels."

McEleny responded: "That 'some folk' would be 68% of the people that elect you into your position.

"You think the people of this country exist to provide you with position. I think your position exists to provide those people with freedom."

Glasgow North East SNP MP Anne McLaughlin said the attack was "completely unwarranted".

But McEleny added: "Her first reaction to the poll wasn't to demand the UK gov respect the will of the Scottish people but to make a snidey arrogant attack, that reeks of entitlement, on over 2/3 of the people that vote for the SNP."

Adding to the row, MacNeil claimed: "Unionists doubtless happy with a situation where SNP has mega popularity but incapable of doing anything with it."